ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)

Allergy is the immune system overreacting to something usually harmless — pollen, dust mites, mould, cockroaches, pet dander, certain foods, insect stings, drugs, latex. It causes rhinitis, asthma, eczema, hives, and (rarely) anaphylaxis.

A sore throat is usually a minor viral illness that clears in a few days. The important thing is recognising the few cases that need antibiotics — because untreated streptococcal throat in children can lead to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, which are still present in India.

Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing, buzzing, whooshing, hissing, or clicking in the ears without an outside source. It's very common — about 1 in 10 adults experience it — and usually not dangerous, but it can be distressing and disrupt sleep and concentration.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction in the nose and eyes to airborne triggers — pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, pet dander. It isn't caused by "hay" or a "fever", but the name stuck.

A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically-placed electronic device that bypasses damaged inner-ear hair cells and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. It is offered to people with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss who don't get enough benefit from hearing aids.

Hearing aids amplify sound for people with hearing loss. Many Indians who need them delay getting one for years because of cost, stigma, or the belief that they don't work — but modern devices are small, effective, and life-changing when fitted correctly.

Ménière's disease is a chronic inner-ear disorder that causes episodes of severe vertigo + tinnitus + fluctuating hearing loss + a sensation of fullness in one ear. It is often under-diagnosed in India — the episodes can be mistaken for "weakness" or BP fluctuations.

Noise is a major but under-appreciated health problem in India — from traffic horns, construction, industrial work, loud music, religious and political loudspeakers, and firecrackers during festivals. Repeated or intense noise damages hearing permanently, disrupts sleep, and raises blood pressure.